In celebration of our Viatorian global solidarity, here’s a few joyful stories from around the worldwide Viatorian Community.

Burkina Faso: Peace Camp and Professions

Viatorians held an interfaith camp that brought together young Christians, Muslims, and animists for friendship and peace building. The camp took place in Banfora, Burkina Faso, from July 26 to August 2.

Br. Pierre Claver Poda, CSV, professes his perpetual vows.

Workshops during the camp addressed tolerance and forgiveness and how religion can catalyze peacemaking. Religious leaders and experts also spoke about to the group intercultural dialogue and unity. The group visited mosques, churches, and shrines, so participants could each immerse in one another’s religious practices.

“We praise the students’ maturity and open-mindedness. These young people can be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation in their communities, showing it is possible to build bridges where we thought there were only walls,” Br. Johanny Dabou, CSV, deputy to camp director Br. Camille Zongo, CSV, wrote.

Also, we congratulate Br. Pierre Claver Poda, CSV, on professing perpetual vows; Br. Alexandre Konkobo, CSV, on renewing his temporary vows; and Br. Joseph Kabore, Br. Fulbert Tohala, and Br. Gilbert Onanle, on beginning their novitiates.

Adapted from FASOVIAT No. 60, September 2025.

Chile: Youth Movement

A few of the best images from JUVI in Chile.

Over 250 young people gathered for the 20th Provincial Meeting of the Viatorian Youth Movement, JUVI. The event took place August 23-24, and Fr. Marcelo Lamas, CSV, Provincial Superior, celebrated Mass for the group at St. John the Evangelist Parish.

Students from all the education ministry sites of the Viatorians in Chile come together for this big event. The meeting serves to strengthen Viatorian identity, inspire young people to follow Jesus, and to renew the joy, boldness, and hope of Viatorian youth.

Adapted from Comunicado No. 213, September 2025.

Big Milestones for Haiti

Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, Superior General, a native of Haiti, came for a pastoral visit. He helped celebrate 60 years of Viatorian presence, dating to our arrival in Haiti in 1965, and his 30th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. Additionally, Fr. Fils-Aimé marked the elevation of Haiti to the status of Region, and received the profession of faith of newly elected Regional Superior, Fr. Wilford Douze, CSV.

Several Haitian Viatorians share an embrace during the Mass for vow professions.

The region also celebrated the profession of perpetual vows of Br. Berlensky Cambronne, CSV, Br. Dickenson Desrivières, CSV, Br. Jean Mision Duc, CSV, and Br. Matherlikens Stanis, CSV; the diaconate ordination of Br. Claudy Louis, CSV, and Br. Jean-Éric Martial, CSV; and the vow renewal of Br. James Dodo Francil, CSV. Meanwhile, in the US, fellow Haitian Br. Marc Innocent Prophète, CSV, professed his perpetual vows, too.

Adapted from Viatorian International Newsletter No. 6, August 2025.

General Direction

The Viatorians are working toward reestablishing our Generalate, or international headquarters, in Rome. Fr. Fils-Aimé and the General Council have appointed Fr. Macaire Wendena Sandouidi, CSV, of the Region of Burkina Faso, as the congregation’s legal representative in Italy, and he is helping complete the acquisition and renovation of this facility. Fr. Gerardo Soto, CSV, of Chile, General Councilor, will be the local superior for the community.

In January 2026, the Extraordinary General Council – the periodic meeting of provincial and regional superiors with the General Council – will take place there in Rome and will include a formal dedication of the facility.

Adapted from Viatorian International Newsletter No. 6, August 2025.